TripAdvisor says Kailua-Kona “Coffee drinkers will recognize Kona as the source of some of the best beans in the world. Get your blood pumping with a walk along the “Royal Footsteps” waterfront stretch of Alii Drive, or take stargazing to the next level with a nighttime visit to the summit of Mauna Kea. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and soft black sands are just some of the natural features that make Kailua unique. Shimmy your hips at a hula-filled luau, or get an eyeful of native history at the Kamakahonu compound.”

Gatlinburg, Tenn., Orange Beach, Alabama and Destin, Florida were the top three on the list.

TripAdvisor.com, the world’s largest travel site, has ranked Waikoloa Beach Resort as 7th on its list of “Top U.S. Destinations for Vacation Rental Stays.” Based on TripAdvisor reviews, the luxury Kohala Coast resort bested Las Vegas, Nevada and two other Hawaii destinations.

Along with the Top 10 list, TripAdvisor also published results of its recent survey of 1,800 travelers. According to that study, 59 percent of participants plan to stay at a vacation rental this year. Vacationers value cost-savings, space and quality amenities, and place a high priority on having a kitchen.

“Vacation rentals are becoming increasingly popular as more travelers discover the outstanding amenities, comfort, and value a rental can offer,” said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “With summer the most popular time for vacation rental stays, savvy travelers should book early for the best options.”

With a wide range of vacation rental units within its 1,350 acre boundaries, as well as 30+ dining options, two shopping centers, two golf courses, two resort hotels and a full schedule of entertainment and activities, Waikoloa Beach Resort has earned recognition as one of Hawaii’s top destinations. Last December, the property was ranked 8th on TripAdvisor’s list of “Destinations on the Rise” in the United States.

If you look closely you can see a hot tub in the cave pool

“To be named on two significant TripAdvisor lists in such a short time is very exciting for us,” said Scott Head, Vice President of Resort Operations. “We have worked hard to create a Waikoloa Beach Resort experience that works well for visitors, island residents, resort homeowners and vacation rental guests as well. This kind of recognition shows that offering a variety of excellent choices in dining, shopping, golf, activities and accommodations are a formula that works, that people enjoy and are happy to visit again.”

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor has recently been named the newest Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, as part of the Smithsonian Institution Affiliates Program, it was announced by Pacific Aviation Museum Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff.

“The Smithsonian Affiliations Program is an expansive network of 150+ museums and educational organizations that demonstrate excellence in the field of historic preservation and education and we’re delighted to be selected to be a member of this esteemed organization,” DeHoff said.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s association with the Smithsonian Institution means access to artifact loans, traveling exhibitions and education programs from the Smithsonian Institute, the world’s largest museum, as well as from other Affiliate museums. The Museum is hosting a private reception on Thursday, September 20, 5:30 to 7:30PM to celebrate its Smithsonian Affiliate status.

Again this year, the Museum will be participating in Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live! with free admission to the Museum on September 29 with tickets from: .http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ticket/

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. It provides educational programs for adults and children and is located at 319 Lexington Boulevard on Historic Ford Island at Pearl Harbor. Opened December 6, 2006, it has been ranked by TripAdvisor as one of the “top ten aviation attractions” in the nation. Phone (808) 441-1000 or visit www.PacificAviationMuseum.org for tickets, information and to download a coupon for a free combat simulator flight.